Jules Lavallee Memorial Bursary Winners 2024

The Jules Lavallee Memorial Bursary recognizes a graduating Indigenous student who has developed/utilized/shared their gifts to fulfill goals and aspirations in relation to their selves, their families, and communities. 

This year, 14 exceptional graduates were nominated for the Jules Lavallee Memorial Bursary. Two of them, through their outstanding achievements and contributions, exceeded the panel’s expectations and were awarded the bursary. This recognition and support will undoubtedly profoundly impact their future endeavours, and we are grateful to Indigenous Peoples Alliance of Manitoba and an anonymous donor for making this possible.    

Dominique Elk is graduating from Windsor Park Collegiate (WPC). Dom has faced significant challenges and tragedies, including the loss of her influential grandparents during her time at WPC. Despite personal and family hardships, she remains deeply connected to her Dakota heritage and is a loving, supportive family member. Dom has been a consistent participant in Indigenous Youth Leadership (IYL) at both the school and divisional levels for over four years, showcasing her leadership and mentorship qualities. 

She is a skilled master-beader and actively demonstrates her techniques and creations to peers and staff. Dom has shown leadership in various activities, including drum groups, ribbon skirt making, Powwow Club, school-based events, and land-based education outings. Her commitment extends to attending WPC events and contributing to community initiatives. 

Dom is also a writer and artist, sharing her story to inspire others. Expecting her first child, Dom is preparing for motherhood while living independently.  

Zailey Cameron is graduating from Dakota Collegiate (DCI). She is a student leader and recipient of the Dakota Collegiate Oshkabaywis Award, which recognizes her dedication to Indigenous culture and community building. Zailey is a collaborative member of several student groups, including the Dakota Collegiate Student Advisory Group, the Indigenous Group Leadership Committee, YLP, Minogiizhigaad, and IBPOC. She is active in divisional and community organizations like the LRSD Advisory Board, Huddle Advisory Committee, and Youth for NDP. Emotionally intelligent and a strong advocate for well-being, Zailey supports various student groups, such as the Student Wellness Action Group (SWAG).  

Zailey is an artist and traditional jingle dress dancer, performing at powwows and sharing her cultural practices in schools and communities across Canada and the United States. As a member of the Tawaw program, she exhibits a deep connection to her Anishinaabe/Swampy Cree heritage and is enrolled in the Indigenous Language and Culture course.   

On June 5, approximately 225 students from across the division gathered with friends, family, and community at Dakota Collegiate to celebrate their graduation at the 2024 Graduation Powwow.   

The Indigenous Education team presented graduates with a white stole. Any graduating student who wanted to be recognized at the Powwow was invited to participate.